SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun in Kaohsiung: An Artistic Tribute to Civilization’s Roots and Destiny

Apr 21, 2025

4/21/2025Updated: 5/11/2025

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan—Shen Yun Performing Arts performed to packed houses during its three-day run from April 14 to 16 at Weiwuying, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, attracting influential figures from southern and eastern Taiwan.

“It feels like the gods and Buddhas are right here with us,” said Chih-jung Yu, a businessman known as Taiwan’s Banana King. He was deeply moved by how Shen Yun captures the essence of traditional Chinese divine culture.

“It felt as if the artists were bringing the divine presence to life, allowing us to experience the beauty of the gods’ world,” Mr. Yu said.

Shen Yun is based in New York, and in just two hours, Shen Yun takes audiences through 5,000 years of civilization, conveying the universal values of “Truth, Compassion, and Forbearance.”

“We all learned about Chinese culture in school, but today’s society seems to have forgotten these values. I wanted my kids to connect with something deeper,” Mr. Yu said.

Mr. Yu deeply admires Shen Yun’s courage in standing up to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party and staying committed to telling the truth.

“I know they tour around the world, and beyond their uplifting message, they also expose the darkness and the injustices happening in China,” he said.

He hopes that by supporting and attending Shen Yun, he can help inspire positive change in Chinese society.

“We can’t change the situation in China ourselves,” he said, “but by supporting Shen Yun—buying tickets, promoting the show—we can empower them to do what we can’t.”

Artist Expresses Celebration of Joy After Watching Shen Yun

Chung-yang Chen enjoyed Shen Yun at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) on April 15, 2025. (Long Fang/The Epoch Times) — Chung-yang Chen enjoyed Shen Yun at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) on April 15, 2025. Long Fang/The Epoch Times

Chunyang Chen, an oil painter and museum director, said he was so moved by Shen Yun’s heavenly scene that he couldn’t hold back his tears.

“For some reason, after watching Shen Yun, I was filled with joy,” Mr. Chen said.

This is Mr. Chen’s third time seeing Shen Yun.

“I was so moved that I couldn’t stop crying. It truly touched me—I shed so many tears, I couldn’t wipe them away fast enough,” he said.

He praised Shen Yun, saying each performance tells a unique story and leaves the audience with a positive and emotional experience.

“As the show goes on, you feel deeply moved, almost as if a wave of joy washes over you. I can’t really explain it, but it’s so overwhelming that it brings tears to your eyes,” Mr. Chen said.

As soon as the curtain rose on Shen Yun, Mr. Chen was astonished.

“I saw immortals, and the scene felt like it was set in the heavens, with seas of clouds and waterfalls. It was so breathtaking, it truly felt like being in the celestial realm,” Mr. Chen said.

Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.

“This year’s storyline is so unique, especially how the transitions in the backdrop work. It’s amazing how they can seamlessly bring distant elements right onto the stage,” Mr. Chen said.

Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

Mr. Chen shared that the dance, “The Story of the Village Boy and the Fairy” left a deep impression on him.

“Shen Yun’s production is truly remarkable ... The way they used the celestial backdrop to create the Magpie Bridge at the end was perfectly arranged. I paid close attention and was deeply moved,” he said.

The part of Shen Yun where good people are helped by the divine left a deep impression on him.

“When people believe in the gods, they will help you and give you energy ... I believe in Shen Yun’s energy—it has been beneficial for my body,” Mr. Chen shared.

One of Shen Yun’s dance stories depicts the persecution of Falun Gong in China. Although they are facing brutal persecution, divinity is on their side.

“Since I also practice Buddhism and meditate, after watching the performance, I told my friends, ‘You need to teach me Falun Gong. I want to learn because I believe it will give me energy and help with the pain in my hand,’” Mr. Chen said.

Although Shen Yun is sharing the beauty of Chinese culture with the world, Shen Yun is unable to perform in China.

“Such a wonderful artistic culture, with dance, music, and love—these are all positive energies. Why can’t such a great artistic performance, a positive culture, be shown in China? Why does the Chinese Communist Party still suppress such kind-hearted people? I really don’t understand,” Mr. Chen said.

“Shen Yun carries a very positive energy. In the end, good will triumph over evil. The CCP’s suppression won’t last, and Shen Yun will continue to grow and thrive,” Mr. Chen said, reflecting on his greatest takeaway.

Reporting by Shun-li Cheng and Long Fang.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.